EU enlargement summit in Skopje highlights urgency for Western Balkans reforms

European Commissioner for Enlargement Marta Kos convened a key summit in Skopje with leaders from the Western Balkans to discuss the European Union’s Growth Plan for the region.

The plan aims to accelerate reforms and facilitate the integration of Western Balkan countries into the EU single market, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Kos emphasized the importance of the Western Balkans to Europe’s unity, stating, “Europe cannot be united without the Western Balkans.” She highlighted a newfound consensus on enlargement, warning that “the window of opportunity will not be open forever.”

Kos praised Albania’s progress, noting, “Albania, dear Prime Minister Edi Rama, has opened three clusters in the last six months. Thank you for your contribution to the success of the enlargement process.”

She also commended Montenegro’s recent milestone and called on Bosnia and Herzegovina and Kosovo to intensify efforts: “In Bosnia and Herzegovina, the reform agenda has been approved and we are waiting for the new government, Mr. Kurti, to finally put more energy into the membership process. In the meantime, we are already moving forward with Serbia.”

North Macedonia’s Prime Minister Hristijan Mickoski reiterated his government’s commitment to EU integration, emphasizing reforms in “the areas of the rule of law, economic development and digital transformation.” After meeting with Kos, Mickoski said, “Commissioner Kos welcomed the Government's reform program and confirmed the European Commission's support for the region's progress on the path towards the EU.” Foreign Minister Timco Mucunski echoed this, highlighting North Macedonia’s active reform agenda and alignment with EU policies.

The €6 billion Growth Plan allocates funds to the Western Balkans, but Kosovo and Bosnia and Herzegovina have yet to receive initial pre-financing due to political and administrative hurdles. Kosovo lacks a constituted Assembly to ratify agreements required for fund access, while Bosnia has not submitted its reform agenda.

The plan, approved by the European Parliament in 2024, combines grants and favorable loans to drive reforms through 2027. Despite criticism from opposition leaders like Venko Filipçe of North Macedonia, officials assure that funds remain secure as long as reforms proceed within the agreed timelines.

By Vafa Guliyeva